Legal battle looming for Mexican soccer

The future of promotion and relegation in Mexican soccer now rests in the hands of a group of attorneys on the other side of the world. This morning, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed receipt of an official appeal from 10 Liga Expansión clubs demanding the reinstatement of the system in Liga MX.

Liga MX format changed in 2020

A portion of the statement, published on CAS’s website, reads: “The appeal seeks to reinstate the system of promotion and relegation in Mexico’s first division, Liga MX, which was suspended for six seasons starting with the 2019/2020 campaign due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

This legal battle underscores the growing frustration among second-division clubs eager to regain the opportunity to compete at the highest level. The decision, expected in the coming months, could reshape the structure of Mexican soccer for years to come.

The official statement outlines: “The parties are exchanging written submissions in accordance with the arbitration rules governing CAS appeal proceedings. Once the written phase is completed, and with the agreement of both parties, a hearing will be scheduled.”

The release also emphasizes that it is “an unofficial summary for the press,” and no further comments will be made at this time.

Meanwhile, yesterday, The Athletic reported on the formal complaint filed by 10 Liga Expansión teams. The clubs argue that the suspension of promotion and relegation expires this year, meaning Liga MX must prepare to reinstate the long-awaited competition model.

Hours later, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), led by Mikel Arriola—who also heads Liga MX—responded by stating that they have not yet received official notification from CAS regarding the matter. If and when they do, they assured that they will present their stance “through the appropriate channels.”

Legal battle looming

Given the unfolding situation, a legal battle is on the horizon, with a ruling expected to come from an external entity—one that operates independently but remains closely aligned with FIFA’s governing principles.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.